'''Philanthropy''' refers to voluntary work intended for socially useful purposes.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/663243/philanthropy philanthropy] Encyclopædia Britannica</ref> In the modern-day context, philanthropy is typically performed by organizations backed by large personal fortunes. The goals of philanthropy include, but is not limited to, eradication of poverty, hunger, and disease; support for education initiatives; and support for environmental conservation.

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'''Philanthropy''' refers to voluntary work intended for socially useful purposes.<ref>[http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/663243/philanthropy Encyclopædia Britannica]</ref> In the modern-day context, philanthropy is typically performed by organizations backed by large personal fortunes. The goals of philanthropy include, but is not limited to, eradication of poverty, hunger, and disease; support for education initiatives; and support for environmental conservation.

Philanthropic organizations have existed since the [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]. The practice was preserved by the [[Christian]] [[Church]] throughout the [[Middle Ages]] while [[Islam]] threatened to destroy Western civilization.

Philanthropic organizations have existed since the [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] and [[Ancient Rome|Romans]]. The practice was preserved by the [[Christian]] [[Church]] throughout the [[Middle Ages]] while [[Islam]] threatened to destroy Western civilization.

==Etymology==

==Etymology==

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The word "philanthropy" is taken from the [[Latin]] ''philanthropia'', itself taken from the [[Greek language|Greek]], a derivative of ''philanthropos'' (φιλάνθρωπος). ''Philanthropos'' is a combination of ''phil-'' ("loving") + ''anthropos'' ("mankind").<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=philanthropy philanthropy] Online Etymology Dictionary</ref>

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The word "philanthropy" is taken from the [[Latin]] ''philanthropia'', itself taken from the [[Greek language|Greek]], a derivative of ''philanthropos'' (φιλάνθρωπος). ''Philanthropos'' is a combination of ''phil-'' ("loving") + ''anthropos'' ("mankind").<ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=philanthropy Online Etymology Dictionary]</ref>

==References==

==References==

Revision as of 19:52, 26 December 2011

Philanthropy refers to voluntary work intended for socially useful purposes.[1] In the modern-day context, philanthropy is typically performed by organizations backed by large personal fortunes. The goals of philanthropy include, but is not limited to, eradication of poverty, hunger, and disease; support for education initiatives; and support for environmental conservation.

Etymology

The word "philanthropy" is taken from the Latinphilanthropia, itself taken from the Greek, a derivative of philanthropos (φιλάνθρωπος). Philanthropos is a combination of phil- ("loving") + anthropos ("mankind").[2]